Magical Crispy Air Fryer Candied Pecans Recipe for Sweet Tooths

Nutty and sweet, these air fryer candied pecans dance with a delightful crunch that elevates any snack or dessert.

Coating pecans with the perfect air fryer candied pecans recipe creates a mouthwatering treat that’s impossible to resist.

The magic happens when sugar caramelizes around each pecan, creating a golden, crispy shell that shatters beautifully with every bite.

Warm spices like cinnamon and a hint of salt bring depth to these addictive nuts.

Preparing this recipe takes mere minutes, making it an effortless indulgence for spontaneous cravings.

Quick, simple, and absolutely delicious, these candied pecans will become your new favorite snack.

Serve them alongside salads, sprinkle over desserts, or enjoy them straight from the air fryer for an irresistible treat that’ll have everyone asking for more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 13 minutes

Calories: 157 kcal

Servings: 5

Steps to Make Crunchy Candied Pecans at Home

• Whip Up the Mixture

Crack an egg white into a bowl and transform it into a frothy cloud. Sprinkle in brown sugar, dust with cinnamon, drizzle maple syrup, and add a pinch of salt. Blend everything until it becomes a glossy, sweet coating.

• Lovingly Coat the Pecans

Tumble the pecan halves into the mixture, gently tossing them until each nut is completely embraced by the sugary mixture.

• Fire Up the Air Fryer

Heat your air fryer to a toasty 350F. Layer a sheet of parchment paper inside the basket to prevent any sticky situations.

• Create Crispy Goodness

Arrange the coated pecans in a single, beautiful layer. Let them dance in the hot air for 6-8 minutes, giving the basket a confident shake midway to ensure even cooking. Watch for a gorgeous caramel shine.

• Cool and Savor

Slide the pecans onto a parchment-lined tray. Let them rest and transform into crunchy, irresistible morsels for 10-20 minutes before enjoying their sweet, nutty.

Flavor Variations for Sweet or Spicy Nuts

• Crisp and caramelize your pecans like a pro with these game-changing tips.
• Swap brown sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a diabetic-friendly version that maintains delicious flavor and crunch.
• Experiment with spice combinations like adding cardamom, nutmeg, or a pinch of cayenne pepper to create unique sweet-and-spicy candied pecans that surprise your taste buds.
• Ensure gluten-free status by carefully checking ingredient labels, particularly for maple syrup and any added spices to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keep candied pecans in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two weeks, or refrigerate for extended freshness without compromising their delightful crunch and caramelized exterior.

How to Present Candied Pecans for Snacking or Gifts

• Sweet Snack Companion: Pair these candied pecans with creamy vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert that balances warm, crunchy nuts with cool, smooth sweetness.
• Salad Sparkle Topper: Sprinkle these candied pecans over mixed green salads to add a crunchy, sweet dimension that elevates simple leafy greens with gourmet flair.
• Cheese Board Accent: Arrange these pecans alongside soft and hard cheeses, creating a delectable nibble that complements wine and charcuterie platters with rich, caramelized notes.
• Holiday Gift Idea: Package these pecans in decorative jars or cellophane bags, tying with festive ribbons to create homemade edible gifts that friends and family will treasure.

Storage Suggestions That Keep Pecans Perfect

• Let pecans cool completely on parchment paper to develop maximum crispness and prevent clumping.
• Keep candied pecans in sealed glass containers at room temperature for up to 2 weeks, maintaining their delightful crunch and sweet flavor.
• Pack cooled pecans in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air, and store for 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before enjoying to retain original texture.
• Create beautiful food gifts by layering cooled pecans in decorative mason jars with tight-fitting lids, perfect for holiday sharing or homemade treats.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Just ensure they are roughly the same size for even cooking.

• Are these candied pecans gluten-free?

Absolutely! All the ingredients used in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for people with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I prevent the pecans from burning in the air fryer?

Shake the basket halfway through cooking and keep a close eye on them. If they start to darken too quickly, lower the temperature slightly or reduce cooking time.

• Do I need to use maple syrup, or can I replace it?

You can substitute maple syrup with honey or corn syrup. Each will slightly alter the flavor, but the overall texture will remain similar.

Air Fryer Candied Pecan Ingredient Lineup

• Pecan Halves: Select fresh, plump pecans with a rich, buttery aroma that ensures maximum flavor and crunch.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel-like sweetness and helps create a glossy, crisp coating on the pecans.
• Maple Syrup: Adds complex, woodsy sweetness and helps bind the coating to the pecans.

• Egg White: Acts as a natural glue to help the sugar mixture adhere perfectly to the pecans, creating a crisp shell.
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic spice that complements the pecans' natural nuttiness.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile by balancing the sweetness and bringing out the pecans' natural richness.

• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze, ensuring perfectly separated candied pecans.

Air Fryer Accessories to Help Candy Your Pecans

• Air Fryer: Essential for quickly and evenly cooking the pecans with minimal oil.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents pecans from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Medium Bowl: Perfect for mixing egg white and coating pecans with sugar mixture.
• Whisk: Helps create a frothy egg white and blend ingredients smoothly.
• Baking Sheet: Used for cooling the candied pecans after air frying.
• Spatula or Tongs: Helpful for spreading and shaking pecans in the air fryer basket.

Creamy Dijon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Dijon chicken delights palates with its rich, tangy sauce that elevates weeknight dinners. Creamy mustard-infused goodness promises a simple yet elegant meal that brings comfort and flavor to your table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)

Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon whole grain mustard (optional, for texture)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken by thoroughly drying it with clean paper towels, then generously season with a blend of salt, pepper, aromatic garlic powder, and vibrant paprika to enhance its flavor profile.
2. Create a golden sear by heating a combination of olive oil and butter in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Carefully place the seasoned chicken in the pan, cooking each side for approximately 5-6 minutes until a rich, caramelized exterior develops and the internal temperature reaches 165°F/75°C. Gently transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a separate plate.
3. Transform the same skillet into a flavor foundation by quickly sautéing minced garlic until its fragrance fills the kitchen. Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift and incorporate the delectable browned bits clinging to the pan’s surface. Whisk in a harmonious blend of Dijon mustard, rustic whole grain mustard, tangy Worcestershire sauce, bright lemon juice, and aromatic thyme. Allow the mixture to simmer briefly, concentrating the flavors.
4. Transition the sauce to a luxurious consistency by reducing the heat and stirring in velvety heavy cream and nutty Parmesan cheese. Gently simmer until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy, creating a smooth, rich coating.
5. Return the golden chicken to the skillet, lovingly bathing it in the creamy mustard sauce. Let the chicken warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes, ensuring complete flavor integration.
6. Present the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, accompanied by your choice of creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy rice, or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

Notes

• Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and enhances flavor.
• Use a meat thermometer to check chicken’s internal temperature, preventing overcooking and maintaining juicy texture.
• Consider using Greek yogurt or half-and-half as lighter cream alternatives for a reduced-calorie version of the sauce.
• Swap chicken for turkey or plant-based protein like tofu for dietary flexibility, adjusting cooking times accordingly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg